Monta Ellis' Heroics Not Enough as Warriors Fall Short in Overtime

The Golden State Warriors got off to a great start in Philadelphia against the Sixers. But once the Warriors jumped ahead by a score of 12-6, the Sixers bench continued to contribute as it has throughout the entire month of February. The Sixers finished the month with a record of 9-3.

One thing that remained the same, however, was the spectacular play from the Warriors' backcourt. Monta Ellis finished the game with 27 points. Point guard Stephen Curry finished with 22 points and seven assists.

It was Ellis’s offensive presence, however, that carried the Warriors in the second half. In the final minute of regulation, Ellis made a deep three-pointer off a dribble-hand-off and screen from power forward David Lee. He then followed that with another heroic shot. Ellis took three dribbles, then stepped back and made another three-pointer from the right side. This shot tied the score at 106 and forced overtime.

Unfortunately, the Warriors ran into two major obstacles during the overtime period. As the Sixers zoned-in on Ellis defensively during the overtime period, the Warriors were unable to find much offensive contribution from anyone else. As a result, the Sixers bench was able to perform better than the Warriors bench as Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young all hit big shots to close the game.

Iguodala finished the game with a triple-double consisting of 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Both Turner and Young had 20 points and seven rebounds each.

Also, Warriors power forward David Lee committed a foul during the final 30 seconds of overtime. At this point of the game, the Warriors were down by three points. This foul gave the Warriors a five-point deficit, which practically put the game out of reach.

Some would argue that Lee’s decision to foul was due to a lack of communication. Others may argue that Lee was not aware of the situation of the game. Lee finished the game with yet another double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Nevertheless, the Warriors fall short in overtime against the Sixers by a score of 125-117. For the Sixers, this win puts their record two games over .500 for the first time this season.

The Warriors will continue their road trip on Tuesday, March 8 when they face Baron Davis and the new look Cleveland Cavaliers.